It amazed Aaron how quickly Sundays had become family day for them, something that Erin had insisted on, even when he was stuck out of state on a case, and he found that he loved just sitting in the living room, watching her work on their quilt, while Jack either read or played video games. Jessica would sit in the chair she had claimed as hers, picking up knitting and swearing quietly under her breath when a particular stitch or row didn't go as she wanted it to. Thankfully, Jack didn't seem to pick up on what she was saying, though Aaron had to usually suppress his laughter so that his son wouldn't pick up on anything.

But now, four months after they had come home, two months before Christmas, he began to notice that though Erin was still opening up to him, there was a bit of hesitation on her part at times. Knowing that she was very close to Jessica, he decided that that would be his way in to finding out what was bothering her, so that he could fix it before having to break down and ask her. "Jess, I'll help you clear the table today," he said as they got up after the meal. Erin gave him a surprised look, but he just smiled placidly at her before leaning over and kissing her cheek softly. "You mentioned that you wanted to get our quilt finished before Christmas, so this will just help you achieve that goal a little bit."

"That is so kind of you," she whispered before kissing him once more. "Come along, Jack, let's get out of their way." Jack nodded and jogged out of the room, followed shortly after by Erin.

"So, why did you want to get rid of them?"

Aaron turned from the door to look at his sister in law, giving her a small frown. "Was I that obvious?"

"Aaron, I've known you since we were in high school. Of course I know how to read you. But judging by the look that Erin gave you, she also knows that you wanted to get me alone. So, what is on your mind?"

He let out a deep sigh as he picked up the plates, watching Jessica grab the utensils and cups before they went into the kitchen. Taking a spot in front of the sink, he began to rinse off the plates before handing them to Jessica to put in the washer. "Erin's bothered by something, and I can't put my finger on what. I know that I'm supposed to be a great profiler, but there are times when I can't read her. Though I try not to read my loved ones, because Haley often told me that it bothered her when I was trying to manage her reactions and expectations. Has Erin said anything to you about what's upsetting her?"

Jessica let out a frustrated sigh as she placed the last plate into the washer. "For a profiler, even one who's not trying to read his lover, you sure are dense sometimes, Hotchner." He gave Jessica a questioning look, and she rolled her eyes as she held up her left hand and then tapped her ring finger. "She is a woman from the Civil War era, Aaron. They followed a different moral code than we do today. It is so easy for us to just fall into bed with our lovers and not have a marriage to bind us together. She doesn't have that same worldview, and I think that even though she loves you and you love her, a part of her is terrified that you won't stay with her, and that she'll be left as a fallen woman, with no way to make a living in this new world she finds herself in. And what was the only profession a fallen woman could get during her time?"

"Prostitution," he replied quietly, suddenly shamed by how unthinking he had been. "So, how do I salvage things before this wedges us further apart?"

"You just have to do as Beyoncé says, and put a ring on it. Let her know that you're serious about staying with her, and that marriage is in the future. I'm not saying you have to marry her tomorrow, but if you start with the promise of that, I think that would go a long way to allay her fears. Unless you don't see yourself staying with the woman you woke up from a curse with true love's kiss for the rest of your life?"

He shook his head as his shoulders dropped a little. "I want to stay with her forever, Jess. She's so quickly become our everything, Jack adores her, and you've become a dear friend to her, even when you had every right to not accept her in our lives. The fact that something this perfect happened to us after what Foyet tried to do still boggles my mind. Erin doesn't even mind the scars I still bear, both physical and emotional. Do you think that you could keep her occupied for a few hours so that I can talk to Jack about me marrying Erin, and if he's okay with that, us heading out to a jewelry store?"

"I think that I can more than do that. She's been teaching me how to sew like she does, so your quilt will have a piece of me in it as well. Literally and figuratively. Thankfully, we've been able to get out the small bloodstains so far."

He smiled at Jessica as she turned on the dishwasher, and then took a deep breath. "Penelope is going to kill me, you know."

"Why?"

"Because I didn't clue her in on this happening. She likes to know everything about what's happening in our lives, and that can get a little overwhelming, even though she means the best. I think that need stems from the fact that she was shot and almost died, but I have to draw the line somewhere, I guess."

"Yeah, she does mean well. But just let her know that you wanted to keep this moment private, and that you didn't even tell Dave what you were planning on doing. Which, as long as you don't text or call him before you ask Erin, will be the truth. And since he's your best friend, she won't have room to complain."

"Ah, this is why I'm so glad that you've stayed a part of our lives. You can see things that I can't at times."

Jessica grinned as she shrugged. "Sometimes, all it takes is a woman's touch, Aaron. And I'd go with something understated, when you're looking at rings. From what I've seen about her, she prefers elegance and loveliness over showy and gaudy."

"I will keep that in mind," he replied as he smiled at Jessica. "Thank you for answering me so honestly. You could have just told me to ask Erin, which I probably should have, but it was good to just talk with you, too. You'll always be a part of our family, no matter who enters it."

She let out a choked breath as she stepped forward and hugged him tightly. "You were always so kind to me, Aaron. That is the one thing that I think I'll always love about you. Now, as soon as you get a yes from Erin, we're throwing an engagement party, and since it is so close to the holidays, we can make it Christmas themed. And the first person you're going to invite will be…"

"Penelope?"

"Bingo, buster. She's been such a good friend to us, after all." He nodded and then stepped away from Jessica, suddenly knowing that he didn't want to put off asking Erin to stay in his life for another moment.